This Week in The Times: Jan Fosse

Vitals: Jan Fosse, 33, is a Rockford native and a graduate of Rockford East High School. Fosse recently started Rockford Improv, an improv comedy group that will be performing around the Rock River Valley in the coming months. She earned bachelor’s degrees in theater performance and English with a concentration on writing from Augustana College. In her free time, Fosse enjoys making and selling jewelry, working in her garden and spending time with her dog. She has also recently gotten involved with a beagle rescue program where she will provide foster care to beagles facing euthanasia.

1. If you could choose any elected official – local, state or national – to speak with one-on-one, who would it be and what would you say? If I could speak with anyone, it would be Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (D). After I demanded that they give the schools the money they are owed, I’d ask him how he could, in good conscience, take a position like governor while allowing so much corruption in the state.

2. If you were to move away from the Rock River Valley, what three things would you miss the most? I’d miss my family and friends, of course, but I’d also miss downtown Rockford. The people there are friendly and the area is starting to grow. I’d like to stick around to see what comes out of that growth. Plus, I’d miss Maria’s Restaurant.

3. Why did now seem like a good time to start Rockford Improv? Considering the recent conditions in Rockford – like being voted the 14th most miserable city in the nation, or the unemployment numbers – it seems like everybody in the city could use a laugh. Rockford Improv could easily serve as a very affordable escape to many of our current disappointments and setbacks.

4. What types of events or shows will Rockford Improv be performing in the upcoming summer months? We’re going to be performing shows that are much like Comedy Sports or Whose Line is it Anyway? at bars and other venues around Rockford. We’re also planning on doing our own version of The Gong Show, as well as working with a DJ to do karaoke and other events that include music.

5. Question from last week’s “This week in The Times” participant, Chrissy Jasker: What is your favorite warm weather meal? Burgers on the grill, without a doubt. My husband is a grill master. He just got a new gas grill last summer, and he can cook anything from burgers to lobster on that thing.

“This week in The Times” is a weekly survey of people selected by The Rock River Times staff. The column does not accept unsolicited submissions.